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When a router manufacturer stops releasing firmware updates, many users wonder whether the device can still be used safely. The Engadget article explains that the hardware will keep forwarding traffic, but the lack of patches means newly discovered vulnerabilities may remain open. This guide breaks down what that means for home networks and offers practical steps to stay protected while planning for a replacement.
Key Points
- Can You Still Use Your Router If It Doesn’t Get Firmware Updates?
- As long as the hardware is healthy, a router will continue connecting your devices to the internet long after the manufacturer stops releasing firmware updates.
- Once firmware updates cease, the router loses its most dependable attribute for fixing newly‑discovered security flaws.
Why This Matters
Firmware updates are the primary way manufacturers patch security flaws in routing software. When those updates stop, the router no longer receives fixes for newly discovered bugs, which could be exploited by attackers to hijack traffic or enlist the device in botnets. The Engadget piece notes that while the router will not suddenly cease to function, the risk surface expands each day it remains unpatched.
For most households, the immediate impact may be subtle—no loss of internet connectivity—but the long‑term exposure can grow, especially if remote management features are left enabled or default credentials are unchanged. Understanding this trade‑off helps users decide whether to keep using the device temporarily or to upgrade sooner.
How Routers Keep Working Without Updates
The routing firmware is essentially the operating system that directs packets between your local network and the internet. Even when the vendor stops updating that software, the existing code continues to run as long as the hardware remains functional. There is no built‑in kill switch that disables the device; only physical failure will stop it from forwarding traffic.
This means you can still browse the web, stream video, or connect smart home devices. However, the absence of updates means any security holes discovered after the last supported firmware version will stay open unless mitigated by other means, such as network‑level controls or third‑party firmware.
Security Risks When Firmware Stops
Attackers frequently scan for routers running outdated firmware because they are easier to compromise. Once compromised, a router can be used to redirect DNS traffic, launch man‑in‑the‑middle attacks, or become part of a larger botnet used for spam or distributed denial‑of‑service campaigns. The Engadget article emphasizes that a router without updates is not automatically compromised, but the probability of successful exploitation rises over time.
Specific risks include the potential for attackers to relay malicious traffic through the device or to use it as a pivot point to reach other devices on the local network. Disabling remote administration and changing the default admin password are two straightforward ways to reduce the attack surface while the router remains in service.
Practical Steps to Stay Safer
First, log into the router’s admin interface and verify that remote management is turned off. This prevents the configuration page from being reachable from the internet. Second, replace the default admin password with a strong, unique passphrase—ideally a random string of at least 12 characters that includes letters, numbers, and symbols.
Third, check whether the router still has any pending firmware updates by visiting the manufacturer’s support site and comparing the installed version with the latest listed release. If an update exists, apply it immediately. If no update is available, note the end‑of‑life status and begin planning a replacement.
When to Consider a Replacement
The Engadget piece suggests treating the four‑ to five‑year mark as a checkpoint. If your router is approaching or has passed that age and the vendor has stopped issuing updates, it is prudent to start shopping for a newer model that receives regular security patches. Even if the current device still works, newer hardware often offers better performance, improved Wi‑Fi standards, and more robust security features.
If you need to wait for a new router to arrive, you can mitigate risk by keeping the existing device isolated from sensitive traffic—for example, by using a separate guest network for IoT devices and ensuring that critical work devices connect through a VPN or a secondary router that is still supported.
Alternative Firmware Options
For technically inclined users, community projects such as OpenWrt may provide custom firmware for certain router models after the vendor ends support. The Engadget article advises checking the exact hardware revision against OpenWrt’s supported device list before flashing, as installing an incompatible image can brick the router, turning it into a non‑functional paperweight.
If you decide to pursue this route, follow the project’s installation guide carefully, back up the current configuration, and verify that the power supply remains stable during the flash process. Remember that custom firmware may lack some vendor‑specific features, so evaluate whether the trade‑off meets your networking needs.
What to Do Next
Review your router’s label for the model number and hardware revision, then log into the admin console to confirm the current firmware version. Visit the manufacturer’s support page to see if any updates are listed; if not, note the end‑of‑life status. Disable remote administration, set a strong admin password, and decide whether to continue using the device temporarily, try a community firmware, or begin shopping for a replacement.
Keep this article bookmarked as a checklist, and revisit it whenever you notice changes in network performance or hear about new router‑related vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
Even though a router will continue to forward traffic after the vendor stops releasing firmware updates, the lack of security patches means the device becomes increasingly vulnerable over time. By disabling remote administration, using a strong admin password, checking for any remaining updates, and planning for a replacement or compatible community firmware, you can reduce risk while maintaining network connectivity.
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FAQ
Will my router stop working immediately when updates end?
No. The hardware will continue to forward packets as long as it remains functional; there is no built‑in kill switch that disables the device when firmware updates cease.
Is it safe to keep using an unsupported router for everyday browsing?
It can be safe in the short term if you disable remote administration, use a strong admin password, and monitor for unusual activity, but the risk of exploitation grows over time.
How can I check if my router still has firmware updates available?
Log into the router’s admin interface, note the installed version, then compare it with the latest release listed on the manufacturer’s official support site for your exact model and hardware revision.
What does disabling remote administration do?
It prevents the router’s management page from being reachable from the internet, reducing the chance that an attacker can change settings or install malicious firmware.
Should I try OpenWrt or similar custom firmware on my old router?
Only if your exact hardware revision is listed as supported by the project; flashing incompatible firmware can brick the device, so follow the guide carefully and back up your current settings first.
External Sources and Further Reading
A practical router end-of-support decision
A router can continue passing traffic after its firmware support ends, but normal operation is not evidence that its software remains safe. Use this sequence before deciding to keep it.
- Confirm support status. Check the manufacturer’s security advisory page using the exact model, hardware revision, and firmware version. An old device is not necessarily unsupported; an unsupported device is not necessarily known to be compromised.
- Check exposure. Disable internet-facing administration, UPnP if you do not need it, unused port forwards, remote access, and default credentials. These steps reduce attack surface but cannot patch undisclosed vulnerabilities.
- Choose a replacement. Prioritize a model with clearly stated security-update support, current WPA2-AES or WPA3 capabilities, and a way to export or document your existing configuration.
- Replace methodically. List connected devices and port forwards, replace the router, apply its latest firmware, use a unique admin password, then verify DNS, Wi-Fi security, and guest-network isolation.
Decision rule: if the internet-facing router has reached end of security support, plan its replacement rather than treating temporary hardening as a permanent fix. The risk is higher when administration is exposed or critical home-office devices share the same network.
Reference: CISA network infrastructure hardening guidance. For a related explanation of routing threats, read our BGP hijacking guide.
